In Asystole/Pulseless Electrical Activity, what is the first action?

In Asystole/Pulseless Electrical Activity, what is the first action?

• A. Begin HP CPR
• B. Attach AED and follow prompts
• C. Rapid transport/ALS rendezvous
• D. After 30 minutes consider death determination

Answer: (A)

In a nonshockable arrest like asystole or PEA, the top priority is to restore perfusion through high-quality chest compressions. Shocks won’t correct these rhythms, so starting CPR immediately provides blood flow to the brain and heart while you secure help and evaluate the rhythm. Keep compressions continuous and effective—rate around 100–120 per minute, adequate depth, full chest recoil, and minimal interruptions. Attaching the AED or monitoring should happen as you continue CPR, not delay it, and you only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm appears. Rapid transport and advanced care come next, but the first action is to initiate high-quality CPR.

In a nonshockable arrest like asystole or PEA, the top priority is to restore perfusion through high-quality chest compressions. Shocks won’t correct these rhythms, so starting CPR immediately provides blood flow to the brain and heart while you secure help and evaluate the rhythm. Keep compressions continuous and effective—rate around 100–120 per minute, adequate depth, full chest recoil, and minimal interruptions. Attaching the AED or monitoring should happen as you continue CPR, not delay it, and you only deliver a shock if a shockable rhythm appears. Rapid transport and advanced care come next, but the first action is to initiate high-quality CPR.